"Harry" wrote:

I don't care for the flashlight and the Studfinder, but it comes with 2
batteries (which is good). My first impulse was, B&W is a descent band,
14.4 Volts sounds powerful enought, and the price is not bad. But when I
talked to the sales people and they told me, "... you really want to stay
away from B&D, you really want this 18 Volt Makita for $199,..." That
totally confused me.

B&D is a good brand, but it is the lower priced, homeowner brand. DeWalt
is the same company, and their pro line.

I as a home owner, have had good luck with the B&D versa pack system of
battery tools.

BTW, I hadn't though about the replacement part route. I'll try that, as
well - thanks!

That is the biggest difference between homeowner and pro tools, the
latter have a service network to keep them going, You might check on the
latter, since the Milwaukee dealer/service in my sells refurbished tools
as well as new.